Sunday, September 25, 2011

1st Radio Appearance for Pain Sufferers Speak's Global Community





UPDATE 10/7: The show went great and I had a wonderful time spreading the word about Pain Sufferers Speak. I am working on a youtube video with the audio tract from the show so it can be available here on the blog always.  


The Positive Experience Show with Liz Hall
Please join me and Joseph Aquilino on his The Positive Experiance Show here on Pain Sufferers Speak's BLOG--You ONLY have to Register FREE www.blogtalkradio.com IF you want to CALL IN AND PARTICIPATE!! Looking forward to chatting with you today!!--Just got this verified--sorry for last minute info!! ♥ 
THIS Tuesday,  September 27, 2011 at 12pm-1pm  EST--Eastern Standard Time/USA/New York City
(310) 982-4253 is the call in number for everyone including the guests.


Phone lines will be open for the full hour for comments and questions from the listeners on the air.


You can embed the show on your website, you can listen directly from your website... you can download the show to your computers, you can listen to an archive of the show on the http://blogtalkradio.com/joeygiggles site and you can share the channel on any social network.
 
Here is the link to the facebook OPEN Invitation--Invite all your family and friends all over the world!! Be sure to go on a register on blog talk radio link so you can hear us LIVE or by archive after the show!!
 Any questions you have please type it on the invite facebook wall and we will get back to you ASAP-- as soon as possible. : )
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=245867245452051

If you like to join us on blogtalkradio chat LIVE during the show and ask questions OR listen-- you must sign up and register for the blogtalkradio main site at



 http://blogtalkradio.com/
So excited and psyched to share Pain Sufferers Speak's Global Pain Community with the world LIVE!!! Looking forward to talking with you, answering your questions and sharing our community so others can find us and have a safe haven for communicating and expressing pain without judgment ort criticisim and unconditional love and support!!
Liz : )

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Humor Is The BEST Medicine

I had to share this with all of you! Pain Sufferers Speak's Facebook "Secret" Support Family Group has a new member who joined about 2 weeks ago. He is a sweet hearted, fun loving comedian who loves to post jokes, humorous comments, and has consistenly brought all of us smiles and giggles since he joined! Here is a perfect example: 
FAMILY TREE OF VINCENT VAN GOGH
His dizzy aunt ------------ Verti Gogh

The brother who ate prunes------------ Gotta Gogh

The brother who worked at a convenience store ------ Stop N Gogh

The grandfather from Yugoslavia ----------U Gogh

His magician uncle --------------Where-diddy Gogh

His Mexican cousin --------------- A Mee Gogh

The Mexican cousin's American half-brother ------------ Gring Gogh

The nephew who drove a stage coach ------------- Wells-far Gogh

The constipated uncle ---------------- Can't Gogh

The ballroom dancing aunt ---------------- Tang Gogh

The bird lover uncle --------------- Flamin Gogh

The fruit-loving cousin -----------------Man Gogh

An aunt who taught positive thinking ------------- Way-to-Gogh

The little bouncy nephew ------------ Poe Gogh

A sister who loved disco --------------- Go Gogh

And his niece who travels the country in an RV --- Winnie Bay Gogh

Smiling ?? . . .. there ya Gogh
*********************
Thank you, Lee Sr. Rager!! You are awesome, Sweet Pain Brother!! We are blessed to have you in our Support Family!! Liz : )

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Speak Up!

Chronic Pain Sufferers: Speak Up!

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
This post was written by Melanie Matthews
http://hin.com/blog/2008/09/16/chronic-pain-sufferers-speak-up/

chronic painIn pain? The Joint Commission is recommending that sufferers of chronic pain “speak up.” The Joint Commission is launching a national campaign to help Americans work with their healthcare professionals to better manage pain. The new education campaign is part of The Joint Commission’s award-winning Speak Up™ program that helps patients become more informed and involved in their health care, and coincides with Pain Awareness Month in September:
The framework of the Speak Up™ program urges patients to:



  • Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don’t understand, ask again. It’s your body and you have a right to know.

  • Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you’re getting the right treatments by the right health care professionals. Don’t assume anything.

  • Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.

  • Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.

  • Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care errors.

  • Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established state-of-the-art quality and safety standards, such as that provided by The Joint Commission.

  • Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the healthcare team.


  • ********************

  • I found this online and had to share it with all of you! This is AWESOME advice for ALL patients, not just people who suffer with chronic pain and chronic illness!!
    Have a meaningful day! Sending love and blessings to all of you!! Liz : )

    Tuesday, September 13, 2011

    SHOWCASE ON: Lupus

    Understanding Lupus
    From Lupus Foundation of America

    If you or a family member has been diagnosed with or are being evaluated for possible lupus, you will want to know as much as you can about the disease. "Understanding Lupus" will provide you with a guide to lupus so that you can better understand what lupus is.

    What is Lupus?
    This section will provide you with an overview of what lupus is and is not. How does lupus affect the body and how prevalent is lupus in the United States.

    What Causes Lupus?
    No one knows what causes lupus. Scientists think that people are born with the genes to develop lupus and that something brings on or "triggers" the disease and symptoms. However, a combination of genetics (heredity), environment, and hormones is involved.

    Forms of LupusThere are generally four recognized forms or types of lupus: Cutaneous (skin) Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Drug-induced Erythematosus and Neonatal Lupus. This section will discuss in more detail the different forms of lupus and how they can affect you.

    What are the Symptoms of Lupus?
    Symptoms of lupus vary widely depending on the individual case and the form of lupus present. Most people with lupus do not experience all of these symptoms. The section only serves to alert people to clues that might indicate the presence of lupus in an undiagnosed person.

    What Kind of Doctors Treat Lupus?
    The type of doctor or doctors that you may have treating your lupus will depend on the form of lupus you have and how the lupus is specify affecting you. It is not uncommon for a person with lupus to have a group or team of doctors working together to help develop the best treatment plan for you.

    What are the Risks for Developing Lupus?
    Many risk factors attribute to the development of lupus. This section will provide an overview on various risk factors that may contribute to the development of lupus.

    Prognosis and Hopeful Future
    We now know more about lupus than ever before. Dedicated researchers are on the brink of significant breakthroughs in the underlying science of the immune system, while public awareness and understanding continue to grow. Improvements in diagnosis, a greater understanding of how medications can work together to control symptoms, and increased knowledge of the effects of the disease have allowed better management of lupus over time. Today people with lupus are leading healthier lives and living longer than at any time in history.

    Check out our new interactive "Could you have lupus?" symptom checklist!
    This interactive tool was designed to help you better understand the many ways that lupus can affect your body. Each highlighted section features a text box which provides a brief description of how lupus can damage a particular organ or system, from the brain to the blood vessels. You will also be able to go further into the Website for more detailed information. Included is a set of health questions for you to answer that will help your doctor know if you may be at risk for lupus.

    The History of Lupus Erythematosus
    Take a short walk into the history of lupus from its initial scientific observations and declaration as a disease through the advancements in its therapeutic treatments. How did lupus get its name? When were the first symptoms identified? Who were the leading medical scientists working to define and develop treatments for this disease?

    Sign up to receive LFA's free enewsletter
    Stay in touch with the LFA's latest news on developments in lupus research, education and advocacy, by signing up to receive this enewsletter.

    Ask the Experts
    Check out the LFA "Ask the Expert" archives and learn more about lupus on a variety of topics including skin issues, pregnancy, pediatric lupus, kidney disease, women and men’s issues, medications and more. Our panel of nationally-renowned lupus medical experts provides insight, support and answers into the puzzling and often times frustrating issues of lupus. We invite you to submit your own questions into the LFA through our website.

    LFA Approved Publications
    The Lupus Foundation of America Patient Education Committee has reviewed and approved a number publications and other materials for use in educating individuals and families about lupus and its health effects.


    Related Information
    Newly Diagnosed with Lupus: Learning from the Experts - Audio Podcast and Slides
    Dr. Diane Kamen, Medical University of South Carolina
    Thursday, July 29, 2010

    Dr. Kenneth Kalunian, University of California, San Diego
    Monday, February 22, 2010
    ** PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download it now from the Adobe website.
    15 Questions with Dr. Bob Katz on "Understanding Lupus"

    ************************
    http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=179&post=1021&uid=112276272164064#post1021

    The above link takes you to Pain Sufferers Speak's facebook SHOWCASE ON: Lupus with many more resources.
    ************************
    The timing of this blog post coincides with Monique Millender's "31 Days of Life with Lupus Blog Challenge" where YOU have a chance to win her very first giveaway--A Sickie Pamper Basket!!! (I requested to help promote her awesome challenge and Pain Sufferers Speak is NOT entered in the give away by choice. This is about Lupus awareness and advocacy. Good Luck to all those who participate in the challenge!!

    Here is the link to A Messy Happiness Blog

    **********************
    I do NOT have Lupus, however through Pain Sufferers Speak I love to promote awareness, advocacy, prevention and the sharing of FREE medical information.

    For all of those who live with Lupus, there are many of you out there and Pain Sufferers Speak's Global Community will always be here to support and love you unconditionally. Hugs & Blessings to all of you!! Liz : )

    Friday, September 9, 2011

    If You Could Walk In My Shoes

    *******This was posted on "Pain Sufferers Speak's Support Family" secret facebook group by both Pain Sisters, Sheila Wall and Cindy Blevins! Sometimes I wish for a LOVE IT button and this is definitely one of those times. Its perfect for our global community!*********

    


    If You Could Walk In My Shoes


    If you could walk in my shoes,
    You would see, I paid my dues,
    I worked hard my whole life through,
    Even though, I no longer do.

    You would see how hard I tried.
    You would see how hard I cried.
    Can't you see my condition is real,
    Even though you can't see what I feel.

    Your support could lift me up.
    That would be amazing luck.
    My disability; you can't see,
    But I need you to believe in me.

    Trust me when I say,
    A friend could make my day. 
    Please lend a helping hand,
    With your support, I can stand.

    A little goes along way.
    A good friend won't turn away.
    A little kind word can lift my soul.
    A little kind word can make me whole.

    Written By: Manuela McPhee on May 23, 2009

     ********No matter whether you wore work boots or high heels, I know you get it! Wishing a Fantastic Friday to all my Pain Brothers and Pain Sisters all over the world!! Plus, sending you supportive gentle hugs and many blessings for an awesome weekend with your family and friends! Liz : )
    

    Monday, September 5, 2011

    Restorative Slumber--The Importance of Napping




    July 26, 2011
    Restorative Slumber
    The Importance of Napping

    A short nap during the afternoon is common in many countries and can provide an energy boost and clearer senses.


    As we focus on the many obligations we gladly undertake in order to create the lives we want, sleep is often the first activity that we sacrifice. We’re compelled by both external and internal pressures to be productive during many of our waking hours. While this can lead to great feats of accomplishment, it also disrupts the body’s natural cycles and leaves us craving rest. Napping represents a pleasurable remedy to this widespread sleep deprivation. Though judged by many as a pastime of little children or the lazy, the need for a nap is a trait that all mammals share and an acceptable part of the day in many countries. It is also a free and effortless way to improve our health and lift our spirits. A nap is relaxing and can improve our mood, vision, reflexes, and memory.

    Lack of sleep, whether ongoing or the result of a single night’s wakefulness, puts stress on the body and mind. It can negatively impact your physical and mental health. At one time, napping was considered a natural part of life. In the past hundred years, however, electricity and modern conveniences have provided us with more time to engage in personal and professional activities. Consequently there is now less time for sleep. A mere ten minutes of sleep in the middle of the day can leave you feeling more cheerful and alert. A half-hour long nap can sharpen your senses and refresh your energy reserves, and a shorter nap can even sustain you through a long day. Napping can help you make up for lost sleep and serves as a supplement to your usual sleep schedule. You may need to give yourself permission to nap by making naptime a part of your day.

    Feelings of guilt about napping or being preoccupied with other activities can keep you awake when you are trying to take a nap. If you need help, surround yourself with soft pillows and blankets or soothing music. Try to take a nap at the same time each day and use an alarm clock to ensure that you don’t fall into too deep a sleep. Learning to nap and enjoying its benefits can help you reclaim your natural right to nap. You nourish your being every time you take a nap
    For more information visit dailyom.com

    This article is printed from DailyOM - Inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day.
    Register for free at
    www.dailyom.com


    ****************
    This was posted on Pain Sufferers Speak's Support Family facebook "secret" group by Jacqueline Lamoureux. Thanks Jacqueline and Daily OM!! Liz : )

    Saturday, September 3, 2011

    SHOWCASE ON: Lyme Disease

    What Is Lyme Disease?
    Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi.
    How is it transmitted?
    The bacteria are transmitted to people and animals by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, commonly called the deer tick. Although other types of ticks and some insects have been shown to carry the Lyme bacteria, to date, transmission of Lyme through those vectors has not been proven.
    The bacteria can also be passed through the placenta of a pregnant woman to the fetus—congenital transmission.
    The DNA of the bacteria has been found in breast milk, but no transmission has been proven to date in humans.
    The Lyme bacteria have been proven to survive blood banking conditions; however, to date, no transmission has been proven through blood transfusions in humans. Studies have shown transmission through this route in mice in the lab.
    There is no proof to date that Lyme is sexually transmitted, although some preliminary studies have found PCR positives for the DNA of the Lyme bacteria in semen and in cervical tissue. These findings do not prove sexual transmission, but some physicians feel because the Lyme and syphilis spirochete (bacteria) are similar, Lyme may be sexually transmitted.

    Lyme Signs and Symptoms
    General early signs and symptoms:
    EM (bull’s eye) rash at bite site (less than 50%), other types
    Cardiac/Pulmonary
    chest pain or rib soreness, shortness of breath, heart
    palpitations, pulse skips, heart block, heart murmur or valve prolapse.


    Gastrointestinal:
    nausea or vomiting, difficulty eating, change in bowel function
    ( constipation, diarrhea), gastritis, abdominal cramping, irritable bladder or bladder
    dysfunction, cystitis.
    Musculoskeletal:
    joint/muscle pain in feet, swelling in toes, balls of feet, ankle pain, burning in
    feet, shin splints, joint pain and/or swelling, stiffness of the joints, neck or back,
    muscle pain or cramps that may migrate, neck creaks and cracks, neck stiffness,
    TMJ.

    Neurological:
    twitching of the face, eyelids or other muscles, headache, tingling, numbness,
    burning or stabbing sensations, facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), dizziness, poor balance, increased
    motion sickness, light-headedness, wooziness, difficulty walking, tremor,
    confusion, difficulty in thinking or with concentration or reading,
    forgetfulness, poor short term memory, disorientation (getting lost, going to
    wrong place), difficulty with speech, double or blurry vision, eye pain,
    blindness, increased floaters, increased sensitivity to light or sound, buzzing or
    ringing in ears, ear pain, deafness, seizure activity, white matter lesions, low blood pressure.

    Neuropsychiatric:
    mood swings, violent outbursts, irritability, depression, disturbed sleep (too
    Reproductive:
    testicular pain / pelvic pain, menstrual irregularity, milk production (lactation),
    sexual dysfunction, loss of libido.
    Other:
    fever, sweats, or chills, weight change (loss or gain), fatigue, tiredness,
    hair loss, swollen glands, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swelling around the eyes.
    much, too little, early awakening), personality changes, obsessive compulsive
    disorder, paranoia, panic anxiety attack, hallucinations.

    Prevention
    The LDA (Lyme Disease Association) has as one of its goals to stop the spread of Lyme & other tick-borne diseases. Tick checks are very important, as is proper tick removal. The following links may be helpful in addressing what is happening in the area of prevention and control.

    Tick Removal
    Improper removal of ticks greatly increases the risk of acquiring tick-borne infections. Squeezing the tick or putting substances on the tick to try to make it "back out" may aggravate it enough that it injects into you whatever disease organisms are inside it.

    CDCTickRem


    • Do not burn or use any substance on tick
    • Do not grasp, squeeze, or twist body of tick
    • Grasp tick close to the skin with tweezers
    • Pull tick straight out
    • Use antiseptic on skin
    • Disinfect tweezers
    • Wash hands thoroughly
    • Always see a physician for possible diagnosis, testing, and treatment
    • If desired, can save tick for testing, preferably alive, in a zippered plastic bag or a closed container with a moist cotton ball.

    Some examples of tick-testing labs:

    IGeneX Labs, Palo Alto, CA: 800-832-3200
    MDL, Mt. Laurel, NJ: 877-269-0090
    NJ Labs, New Brunswick, NJ: 732-249-0148

    Helpful Links With More Info


    National Pesticide Information Center

    Damminix

    Tackling Ticks That Spread Lyme Disease

    MaxForce Bait Box - Do an end run around ticks

    STOPticks.org

    FREE Prevention Poster

    Protect Yourself: Things We Wish We Had Known About Lyme (English and Espanol)

    10 Facts About Lyme Disease
       Prevention article & radio Interview

    Lyme Disease Association
    http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/

    *****************
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pain-Sufferers-Speak/112276272164064#!/topic.php?uid=112276272164064&topic=143

    The above link takes you to Pain Sufferers Speak's Facebook SHOWCASE ON: Lyme Disease with many more resources.

    *****************
    I do NOT have Lyme Disease, however through Pain Sufferers Speak I love to promote awareness, advocacy, prevention and the sharing of FREE medical information. 

    For all of those who suffer with Lyme Disease, there are many of you out there and Pain Sufferers Speak's Global Community will always be here to support and love you unconditionally. Hugs & Blessings to all of you!! Liz : )